Burke

Truth be told, I have been dreading this post for years now as I knew I would never be ready to say goodbye to our pup.  We said goodbye to our precious beagle, Burke, on Monday, September 25th.  He was with us for almost 14 years and I don't think it was ever going to be long enough.  He was our "first born", my running partner, the boys' companion, a sock-snatcher, a crumb catcher, a loyal friend, our favorite "redhead", a cuddle bug on a cold day, welcomed us home every day after school, had the softest ears and the kindest eyes, loved frozen yogurt treats (especially on his birthday each year) and kept us on our toes.  Our family has been absolutely a mess this week as we have processed this loss while continuing with our daily schedules.  I don't think we realized how much Burke was an integral part of our routines until he was no longer with us.  We miss his pitter-patter on the wood floor as he would follow us from room to room. We miss being greeted by him when we would walk in the door after a long day.  We miss his evening "zoomies" when we would get home.  We miss his howl.  Honestly, I even miss the fur that constantly piled up on the floor.  Burke had been sick for awhile, dealing with cancer that had probably spread past the point we really even knew.  He began having accidents this summer which was so unlike him.  He fell about two weeks ago and had a hard time walking.  Then, he had fluid on his chest that had to be aspirated.  The final signs that it was Burke's time to say goodbye was that he stopped eating and being fully mobile for the last four days of his life.  Zack and I made the hard decision to say goodbye while we were at the vet rather than taking him home or having him stay at the vet for further observation when we felt Burke was telling us that it was time to go.  I do believe there are pets in heaven and I cannot wait until I see him running up to me with his big ears flapping in the breeze.  Until then, we pray that this loss hurts a little less each day and we are comforted by all the positive memories shared over the years.  Burke added so much joy to our lives and we pray that we did the same for his. :)

Here are some of my favorite and recent pictures of Burke.

This was the last picture I took of him, the night before we said goodbye.  He was such a good boy to the very end, having Zack carry him outside so he could use the restroom even though he wasn't able to walk on his back legs. We were with him when he took his final breaths.  His precious eyes never left mine. 

Mia drew this picture for Zander.  Zander has started making replicas for each of our family members.

We brought Burke's body home with us so we could get some paw prints made, and we were able to bury him in our wooded backyard where he enjoyed getting many sniffs.  Prayers are appreciated as we continue to remember the best pup!

This verse has shown up in two of my quiet times this week (the first time on Monday, the day we said goodbye to Burke) and in Maddox's Awana verses.  I love how God speaks to you when you really need to hear from him. :) 

UF vs. UNCC

When your dad and your husband are alumni of the two colleges playing in the Swamp, you must make a trip to Florida to see it in person!  That is exactly what our crew did this past weekend.  We drove down to Florida on Friday and came back on Sunday.  It was a quick trip but while we were headed south, we got to see my Great Uncle Scott and my Great Aunt Barbara.  We were also able to see Grandma Harriet while we were there.  It was a great weekend seeing family and cheering on our teams.  We were a "house divided" with Maddox and me wearing Gator gear and Zack and Zander rocking Niner Nation attire.

The boys had a pretty nice set up with their technology options for the trip south!

We ate at Cracker Barrel since this was always a favorite of my Grandma Nancy's on road trips and Friday would have been her 92nd birthday.  It was great seeing Uncle Scott and Aunt Barbara.  It made me think of my Grandpa Woody so it was special to have this time with family.

The kids enjoyed the pool at the hotel when we got off the road Friday evening!

Ready to cheer on the Gators and the 49ers!

We grabbed lunch from one of dad's favorite restaurants when he was living on campus at UF, Sonny's BBQ, the original location!

The kids enjoyed exploring at Grandma Harriet's with Daddy/Uncle Zack!

Enjoyed being on campus and introducing the boys to the Swamp.... the best in college football!

We stopped at Buc-ee's on the way home.... It was an experience.... very crowded but we can say we did it! ;) haha

In the last couple weeks, we have been attending a lot of soccer activities... the boys love it and I love watching them on the field!  This was taken as we grabbed lunch on our way to a game after church.

Burke continues to not be 100%.  Prayers are appreciated as each day is getting harder to see his health deteriorate.  

The boys tried to fit into the small picnic table they used to love when they were little as we grabbed frozen yogurt after church last Sunday night!

I love seeing Emmy at school... she was enjoying recess here!

We celebrated Grandpa's 74th birthday at Fire and Sticks!

Maddox got a BRIGHT award for his awesome behavior and modeling positive character traits.

I went to Angie's son's wedding.... it was a beautiful venue and I enjoyed the company this evening.... it was a girls' night while daddy stayed home with the boys!

Quick Catch Up Post!

Things have been incredibly busy with evening extracurricular activities and packed weekends.  Here is some of the fun we have had since my last post!

I'm still in shock that Zander is in 5th grade.  He is showing maturity as he approaches his middle school years but I always appreciate when I can see him still being a kid..... like climbing trees in our yard or playing outside with friends.

Z's 5th day of 5th grade!

It was also College Colors Day so Mommy and Maddox wore Gator Gear and Zander represented UNC-Charlotte!

We were able to go back home to visit over Labor Day weekend.  We enjoyed seeing all the family and the boys especially loved having Uncle Grant teach them how to play poker.... we played Texas Hold 'Em.  

We enjoy family time whenever we can get it.... even if it is riding to get frozen yogurt with all the boys (Burke included) while wearing costumes! ;)

Grammy took the cousins to see a real live Monster Truck up close one day after school this week! We love our small town!

I got to meet my newest "niece".  Aunt Kelly had her baby girl and I enjoyed cuddles with sweet Emma!

The boys got to go to two pool parties last weekend... one with friends which allowed them to swim until after dark and the other with Zander's soccer team!  I know summer is almost over but we enjoy a good pool party!

Burke has been keeping us on our toes lately.  He injured his right front leg and then had some fluid develop on his chest.  We are praying for an uneventful future for Burke because he has had a busy, hard week!